Gosainkunda Lake Trek Overview
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek is one of the most popular and stunning treks in the popular Langtang Region. It is a short trekking journey that is perfect for those nature, culture, and adventure enthusiasts as well as spiritual believers who are short in time for long journeys.
The ultimate destination of this 6-day Himalayan trekking journey is the holy lake of Gosainkunda Lake which is situated high above at 4380 meters above sea level. Gosainkunda (lake) is an alpine freshwater lake located at Langtang National Park covering an area of around 34 acres. It is the sacred lake of the Langtang region and has been mentioned in various scriptures, thus - a famed pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhist followers. Hindu devotees believe that taking a dip into this lake will purify sins. The lake and the trail are flocked by pilgrims from all over Nepal and India for the auspicious day of Janai Purnima.
The Gosainkunda Lake is mostly traveled from a religious perspective. However, it is one of the best destinations in Nepal that is closest to the Kathmandu Valley to experience Himalayan trekking, unwind and take in natural beauty. The Gosainkunda Trek trail passes through various jagged forests, lakes, & rivers. Walking alongside the mesmerizing surroundings, one can observe varied landscapes as well as pine, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron forests. It is also believed that there are around 108 lakes in the area with religious significance and during this 6-day journey, you will be able to discover 5 of them including the Gosainkunda itself along with Saraswati Kunda, Suryakunda, Bhairabkunda, & Nagkunda.
As the holy water of Gosainkunda and the trekking trail to it falls inside the Langtang National Park, you will have an opportunity to encounter a number of endangered species, including red pandas, Himalayan mountain bears, Musk deer, Himalayan wild goats, and snow leopards. The Gosainkunda Lake Trekking route also rewards the trekkers with the stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks such as Langtang Lirung (7246m), Gangchhenpo (6388m), Dorje Lakpa, Dokpu peak (5930m), Naya Kangri (5846m), Yala Peak (5500m), Ganesh Himal, Hiunchuli, Mt. Manaslu (8153m), Tibetan Peaks, etc.
Along with the nature and adventure experience, the trekkers can get an insight into the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the locals who are mainly Tamang people.
Whether you are a nature or culture or adventure buff, this trek to magical Gosainkunda Lake fulfills your desire in just 6 days. If you want a longer version or want to indulge yourself in nature for a longer time, go for Langtang Valley & Gosainkunda Trek and have a new yet beautiful experience.
Gosainkunda Trek Highlights
- Experience one of the must-do treks in Nepal
- Pass on through the riverside along with the beautiful landscape and green surroundings
- Wander inside the lush forests of Rhododendron, pine, and magnolia trees
- A great trek inside the famous Langtang National Park
- Opportunity to encounter unique flora and fauna including the endangered Red Panda
- Mesmerizing views of Tibetan peaks, Hiunchuli, Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu range
- Perform puja in Gosainkunda, the holy lake for both Hindus and Buddhists
- Get to observe other holy lakes such as Saraswati Kunda, Suryakunda, Bhairabkunda, Nagkunda, etc.
- Get an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the locals (Tamang community)
Gosainkunda Trek Difficulty
The Gosainkunda Trek is rated as medium hard in terms of difficulty, but the difficulty of a trek depends upon the factors such as trekking days, trekking terrain, itinerary, route, distance, altitude, experience, etc.
There are different itineraries depending upon the route you choose. This particular Gosaikunda Trek journey is a 6-day plan where you will have to walk for four full days. You will arrive at the ultimate destination, Gosainkunda Lake at 4380 meters in just two days from Dhunche (2100m). The trails can occasionally get steeper and more difficult, but for the most part, they have a low angle of ascent and are simple to ascend. You will also have to walk for an average of 5-7 hours every day. So, you will need to be mentally and physically fit. You do need experience but we suggest you engage in some physical sports such as hiking, cycling, swimming, etc. for months before your departure for the trek.
Altitude Sickness could be a factor in making your Gosainkunda Lake Trek challenging as you will be trekking in a region higher than 3000m. However, if you ascend gradually and properly acclimatize, it shouldn't have an impact on you during the journey. Many problems can be resolved by drinking lots of water and eating healthily. However, neglecting the symptoms could be dangerous. So, as soon as you notice a symptom inform your guide or go to a lower elevation where the air is sufficient. In addition, you can take Diamox, a medication that eases altitude sickness.
Another challenge you could face is due to your choice of the season (time) for the trek. So, choose your travel dates wisely.
Best time to do Gosainkunda Lake Trek
The Gosainkunda Trek can be done throughout the year but spring and autumn are considered the best period to get the best experience.
After the end of the dry, harsh, and cold winter, the spring season slowly brings warmness and life to the vegetation. The skies are clear, the weather is stable, the temperature is pleasant, and the trails are dry and easily traceable during the spring months of March, April & May. It is also the time when the forest blooms with rhododendron and magnolia blossoms, giving it a vibrant appearance. The views of the Himalayas and the surroundings are stunning without obstructions. The lake seems serene and is still sometimes frozen in the first month of spring.
Another best time to complete the Gosainkunda trek with the best experience is in the fall. This post-monsoon season offers a clear blue sky, fresh air, and awe-striking views of the Himalayan peaks and the Gosainkunda Lake. The days are warm, sunny, and long enough for long walks. The temperatures are pleasant, the weather is stable and the trails are dry and traceable. You will hike along the terraced farms getting ready to be harvested or being harvested.
Summertime before monsoon hits is also a great time for the Gosainkunda trek to enjoy lush and beautiful surroundings. However, after the monsoon begins at the end of June, the trails get slippery, the views get obstructed by the clouds and fogs, and the insects like leeches and earthworms might be a great concern. However, if you want to take part in this challenge, you can go for this 6-day journey with proper gear and great determination. You will be rewarded with stunning waterfalls, roaring rivers, and frequent rainbows.
The winter season begins in December and snow starts to fall in the Langtang region as winter approaches. It is still viable to do the Gosainkunda trek in early December when the skies are clear. However, as the days pass by and mid/late December gets underway and the temperatures rapidly drop, it will be quite hard to do this trek. The days will be sunny but short and the nights will be chilly for the rest of the winter months. Though the winter season is not recommended for the Gosainkunda Trek, it is still possible to complete it with the proper gear, and knowledge. You will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of mountains and hills covered in snow, frozen lakes, and snowfall.
Permits do to Gosainkunda Lake Trek
Trekkers are required to obtain the following permits for this wonderful Gosainkunda Trek.
1. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Permit
2. Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Note: Both of these permit costs are included in the package.